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TRACK TALES......
Watch here for your own useful track-related stories and information !
Watch here for your own useful track-related stories and information !
LET'S EXTINGUISH THE RUMORS.....
So you've begun to think about tracking your car and you're wondering what you might need.
I would strongly recommend that you consider installing a fire-extinguisher in your car! You will be told by many car clubs that beginners do not need these (that's currently what PCA says).
That's fine, but think how much it would stink (no pun!) to have your 'baby' burn up in the infield after turn 2 because of a small oil fire when $200 could have prevented it!
Do some research and decide where and how best to mount your extinguisher...making sure it's easily accessible should you need it. Decide on the type of mounting device..there are several types on the market. Then you'll need to decide on what type of extinguisher to purchase. There are several types of these as well..from cheap to expensive..from simple to complex. Each has it's own nuance..some can freeze, some will not...some make a mess while putting out the fire..some won't.
Bottom line, do your homework and get something that's right for you and your budget in your track car before your first event.
You will not regret it !
THE NUMBERS GAME - 1/4/09
When you participate in your chosen event you undoubtedly will need to have a given number on your car. This number is used by the tower and other track folks to identify your car for observation and emergency purposes. I have seen many different methods for applying these numbers from cheap to expensive (in relative terms) so lets go thru some options:
Shoe Polish -
This is talked about in my regional DE notes as one method and I must admit, there's white shoe-polish in one of the rubber maid tubs I carry to the track. But I've never used it....and have only seen a few people that have...not my preference...it looks sloppy unless you happen to have perfect handwriting and requires window cleaner to remove.
Racers Tape -
I have this in my tubs too (don't ask...I'll write something up on what a normal person should bring to the track vs I what I nut like me has brought). Never used this either....but I have it !
Magnetic Numbers -
I do not have these ( are you surprised?)...I know many people that do and have only heard a few complaints. Mainly, that they can blow off the car at high-speeds. Since I'd rather not be the reason someone has to swerve on the track...I have not opted for these.
Cling-Type numbers -
I actually picked up a set of day-glow orange, 5" high numbers from Staples ! They cling and I used them on the exterior of my windows for the last event I did in 2008....they worked perfectly and should be reusable...will let you know on this come April !
Contact Paper -
This is a low-budget method that I used for my first two events. Used my PC to print out the numbers and then traced them onto white contact-paper and cut them out....worked perfectly and they are easy to remove at the end of the event (something you definitely want to do if you're driving the car home like I was!!)
Print it and tape it -
I have seen many beginers do this...print it up at home on 8-1/2 x 11 paper and tape it to their window. This works if you have the window space to do this...but I don't like it as it blocks that much of your window....not that you can really turn around with your helmet on at speed anyway...but I don't care for this option.
So you have lots of options....pick what works and make sure your car is well identified and that in the process you're not creating a hazard for anyone else on the track !
Have fun and HAPPY NEW YEAR !
Admin
When you participate in your chosen event you undoubtedly will need to have a given number on your car. This number is used by the tower and other track folks to identify your car for observation and emergency purposes. I have seen many different methods for applying these numbers from cheap to expensive (in relative terms) so lets go thru some options:
Shoe Polish -
This is talked about in my regional DE notes as one method and I must admit, there's white shoe-polish in one of the rubber maid tubs I carry to the track. But I've never used it....and have only seen a few people that have...not my preference...it looks sloppy unless you happen to have perfect handwriting and requires window cleaner to remove.
Racers Tape -
I have this in my tubs too (don't ask...I'll write something up on what a normal person should bring to the track vs I what I nut like me has brought). Never used this either....but I have it !
Magnetic Numbers -
I do not have these ( are you surprised?)...I know many people that do and have only heard a few complaints. Mainly, that they can blow off the car at high-speeds. Since I'd rather not be the reason someone has to swerve on the track...I have not opted for these.
Cling-Type numbers -
I actually picked up a set of day-glow orange, 5" high numbers from Staples ! They cling and I used them on the exterior of my windows for the last event I did in 2008....they worked perfectly and should be reusable...will let you know on this come April !
Contact Paper -
This is a low-budget method that I used for my first two events. Used my PC to print out the numbers and then traced them onto white contact-paper and cut them out....worked perfectly and they are easy to remove at the end of the event (something you definitely want to do if you're driving the car home like I was!!)
Print it and tape it -
I have seen many beginers do this...print it up at home on 8-1/2 x 11 paper and tape it to their window. This works if you have the window space to do this...but I don't like it as it blocks that much of your window....not that you can really turn around with your helmet on at speed anyway...but I don't care for this option.
So you have lots of options....pick what works and make sure your car is well identified and that in the process you're not creating a hazard for anyone else on the track !
Have fun and HAPPY NEW YEAR !
Admin
SOME SAFETY STUFF FOR THE NOVICE.... 2/14/09
As I type this note to you, we in the Northeast are about 1-1/2 months away from the 2009 Track/DE season. The economy has been 'funky' for most of us and I too am trying my best to watch the checkbook! In this vein, there are just a few things I'll be treating myself to this year in relation to the car...this is stuff other than maintenance required for track-safety.
Driving Shoes
I have a pair of high-top SIMPSON brand shoes which were given to me as a gift from a track-friend (thanks again!!!). Problem is that my feet are so darn wide that after wearing the SIMPSONS for two days at the track, the stiching broke on one shoe and the seam opened up (I should state out of fairness that SIMPSON agreed to exchange these if I had the original box...which I threw away when I got the shoes). So in searching around, I came across an inexpensive source for Piloti shoes (which I can not post here). I have purchased two pair and I am wearing one as I type. (and YES...I did just come back from a drive). They are the mullholland II style and are very, very comfortable and they accomodate my wide-foot perfectly!
Head & Neck Restraint
Second thing I am considering is a head and neck restraint. The most common brand is HANS and I have looked casually at these. Problem is that I don't want to put new seats and a harness setup in the car...which is the only way a HANS can be used. I have also been looking at the R3 Rage. This device holds the most promise for me as it is attached to the driver and does not rely on the harness setup; eg: no harness needed. I have also looked at the DefNder product which is new. Their site indicates that they are developing an accessory to allow their device to work with a standard 3-point belt. I contacted them for more info as well as some general info for this article. Unfortunately they told me that the product was still months away and they completely ignored my request for general info...so I am going to continue to research and see if there are other alternatives to the R3.
I am considering this because accidents do happen. I can not imagine having not spent the roughly $700 and having the worst happen...this expense will be for my family!
Stay tuned...once I've got more info, I'll do a complete writeup right here!
Happy Track Season !
Admin
As I type this note to you, we in the Northeast are about 1-1/2 months away from the 2009 Track/DE season. The economy has been 'funky' for most of us and I too am trying my best to watch the checkbook! In this vein, there are just a few things I'll be treating myself to this year in relation to the car...this is stuff other than maintenance required for track-safety.
Driving Shoes
I have a pair of high-top SIMPSON brand shoes which were given to me as a gift from a track-friend (thanks again!!!). Problem is that my feet are so darn wide that after wearing the SIMPSONS for two days at the track, the stiching broke on one shoe and the seam opened up (I should state out of fairness that SIMPSON agreed to exchange these if I had the original box...which I threw away when I got the shoes). So in searching around, I came across an inexpensive source for Piloti shoes (which I can not post here). I have purchased two pair and I am wearing one as I type. (and YES...I did just come back from a drive). They are the mullholland II style and are very, very comfortable and they accomodate my wide-foot perfectly!
Head & Neck Restraint
Second thing I am considering is a head and neck restraint. The most common brand is HANS and I have looked casually at these. Problem is that I don't want to put new seats and a harness setup in the car...which is the only way a HANS can be used. I have also been looking at the R3 Rage. This device holds the most promise for me as it is attached to the driver and does not rely on the harness setup; eg: no harness needed. I have also looked at the DefNder product which is new. Their site indicates that they are developing an accessory to allow their device to work with a standard 3-point belt. I contacted them for more info as well as some general info for this article. Unfortunately they told me that the product was still months away and they completely ignored my request for general info...so I am going to continue to research and see if there are other alternatives to the R3.
I am considering this because accidents do happen. I can not imagine having not spent the roughly $700 and having the worst happen...this expense will be for my family!
Stay tuned...once I've got more info, I'll do a complete writeup right here!
Happy Track Season !
Admin
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